3/18/2013 |
Grilli shows no rust in return from ClassicWith 15 days and a language gap between appearances, Jason Grilli did not miss a beat -- or a chance to instill confidence in his ability to flourish as the Pirates' new closer.

3/18/2013 |
Crawford chips in for Dodgers against D-backsAdam Eaton had two hits and Paul Goldschmidt homered Monday as the D-backs scored a 5-3 win over the Dodgers, who received the first two hits and RBIs of the spring from Carl Crawford.

3/18/2013 |
Puerto Rico has players used to biggest stageWhen Team Puerto Rico arrived in Fort Myers, Fla., last month to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, manager Edwin Rodriguez recognized the key element of his club right away.

3/18/2013 |
Zimmermann has full arsenal against TigersJordan Zimmermann pitched a team-high six innings Monday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter. After Andy Dirks led off the game with a single, Zimmermann retired 18 straight batters and had 14 ground-ball outs.

3/18/2013 |
Miley's 'dead arm' shows life in intrasquad gameWade Miley's arm appears to be alive again. The D-backs left-hander threw two innings in an intrasquad game after being scratched from his last start with what the team referred to as a "dead arm," a point pitchers tend to reach during Spring Training where their arm feels tired.

3/18/2013 |
Descalso's versatility helps in utility infielder battleWith Pete Kozma set to serve as the Cardinals' starting shortstop until further notice, the club will use the last two weeks of Spring Training to assess their backup options at the position. Daniel Descalso is making his case with sound defense and versatility.

3/18/2013 |
d'Arnaud earns valuable time as demotion nearsJohn Buck's illness has afforded Travis d'Arnaud plenty of playing time during what could be his final days in camp. The top prospect appeared in three of the Mets' past four games and scored two runs Monday against the Cardinals.

3/18/2013 |
Baker has MRI due to soreness in elbowScott Baker was scheduled to pitch two full innings on Sunday, but was taken out after a high pitch count and was examined Monday after he reported soreness in his right elbow.

3/18/2013 |
Humber feeling good after simulated gameAstros pitcher Philip Humber, who appears to be a near lock to grab a spot in the starting rotation to begin the year, threw 73 pitches during a simulated game at the team's Minor League complex on Monday morning.

3/18/2013 |
Drew likely to see concussion specialistBarring a very quick recovery in a day's time, shortstop Stephen Drew will head to Pittsburgh to meet with Dr. Michael Collins, who is the executive director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's concussion program and worked with Brandon McCarthy and Brian Roberts after their own head injuries.

3/18/2013 |
Balfour reports good health after Minor League outingThe ultra-competitive Grant Balfour wasn't too happy when he learned that his first game action of the spring would come in a Minor League setting. But he was in a better mood upon his return from the Monday outing, when he was able to report good health.

3/18/2013 |
Green brightens his future with solid springGrant Green entered spring swimming in a deep, crowded infield pool, his chances of breaking camp very slim. So despite the fact that he hit .409, with a good showing at second base, the decision to option him to Triple-A on Sunday wasn't much of a surprise. Still, his performance was enough to convince a few in the front office that he very well may have a future in Oakland.

3/18/2013 |
Prospects Harvey, d'Arnaud help Mets to victoryMatt Harvey struck out six in five-plus innings and Travis d'Arnaud went 2-for-3 with two runs scored as the Mets beat the Cardinals, 3-2, on Monday in Grapefruit League action.

3/18/2013 |
Morales setting an example on the field and offWhen the Mariners acquired Kendrys Morales in December, they knew they were bringing in an experienced middle-of-the-order hitter who could be a force when he's fully healthy. So far this spring, they've gotten all of that and more. Not only is the 29-year-old heating up at the plate, he's setting an example with a work ethic that is rubbing off on his teammates.

3/18/2013 |
Dice-K accepts Indians' Minors assignmentAfter making the determination that Daisuke Matsuzaka would not be part of their Opening Day rotation, the Indians offered the veteran right-hander the opportunity to pitch at Triple-A.

3/18/2013 |
Halladay still under the weatherRoy Halladay is still sick. He lasted only one inning Sunday in a Grapefruit League game against the Orioles at Bright House Field.

3/18/2013 |
Beckett, Billingsley out; Greinke set for WednesdayThe Dodgers had to scratch Monday's starting pitcher Josh Beckett with the flu and Tuesday starter Chad Billingsley with a bruised right index finger, but Zack Greinke is scheduled to start Wednesday.

3/18/2013 |
Marlins' competition tight in center fieldThe Marlins' tight competition in center field may take the rest of Spring Training to resolve. That competition includes Gorkys Hernandez, who was in Monday's starting lineup against the Twins.